Point of Contact

Just below them was the ArtScience Museum, which appeared like a giant half-opened concrete lotus flower. In the distance was a small forest of giant “supertrees”—twenty-five- to fifty-meter-tall metal-and-concrete structures with canopies that spread wide to the open sky like upheld hands. Like everything else in view, they were stunningly lit.

The whole effect was ethereal, made even more surreal by the laser light show on display from down below, the thin green beams slicing through the cloudy haze.

The thousand-foot-long SkyPark itself was a stunning piece of architecture, topped with nightclubs, bars, and restaurants but made world-famous by the nearly five-hundred-foot-long infinity pool that disappeared along the edge of the cantilevered platform. Even at this hour it was filled with swimmers snapping selfies, standing waist-deep in water at the edge of the sky.

Jack and Lian sat in the crowded poolside SkyBar of the Cé La Vi nightclub, throbbing with techno-beats and horny tourists. Jack wasn’t hungry enough to take advantage of the nightclub’s award-winning restaurant, so they settled for sushi and beers at a small table along the glass rail beneath a red umbrella overlooking the bay. The view was better here anyway, and the cool, damp breeze felt good.

“If you were trying to sell me on your city, you’ve closed the deal,” Jack said. “It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.”

Lian allowed herself a small smile. “We’re very proud of it. It’s a metropolitan wonder carved into the heart of a beautiful rainforest.”

“Between the botanical gardens and the green laser lights, Singapore reminds me a little of the Emerald City.”

“It may be the Emerald City, but even Oz had its flying monkeys.”

Jack laughed. “I thought you guys didn’t have a crime problem.”

“Not one that you can see. But where there are people, there are always problems.”

“Is that why you left the Singapore Police Force?”

“No. My plan was always to join the family business. I wanted the practical and technical experience that I knew the SPF would provide.”

“You’re very proud of your company, aren’t you?”

“Is there something wrong with that?”

“No, not at all. I didn’t mean to offend. I guess what I was trying to say was that your sense of place in the world is strongly tied to the city, your company, and your family.”

“Yes, it is.”

“So how do you honestly feel about the merger? It won’t affect my judgment and I won’t say anything to my bosses. I’m just curious.”

Lian took a thoughtful sip of her Tsingtao, her third so far. Jack popped another piece of tuna sushi into his mouth while she formulated her answer, wondering if he needed to order a second beer himself.

“In truth, I’m not happy about it because I fear the loss of control. But my father is a very wise man and I trust his business acumen and he believes it is not only a good move but a necessary one, so I defer to his judgment.”

“Thanks for being honest.”

“What else would I be?”

“You’ve been pretty hostile the whole time we’ve been here. Hostile people tend to lie.”

“Hostile? Have I been rude to you or Paul?”

“No, not rude. But you’re obviously angry that we’re here. I’d think you’d be happy about the merger because it’s going to make you very rich.”

Lian frowned and shook her head. “You think being rich is something that matters to me?”

“Finding out that you’re going to be wealthy isn’t exactly like finding out you’ve got terminal cancer.”

“Tell me, Jack, is money the thing that motivates you?”

Jack shrugged. “No, not really. But then again, I don’t own a company like your family does.”

“No, but you work for a financial firm. Why do you do that kind of work if you don’t love money?”

Because I secretly work for The Campus, working for my dad and defending my nation, Jack wanted to say. Instead, he said, “It’s interesting work, and I’m pretty good with numbers.”

“I’m terrible with numbers, but I’m pretty good with a gun and I love my father, so I do everything I can to protect the company because I’m also protecting him.”

I guess we’re not so different after all, Jack thought.

“So, Mr. Jack Ryan, I apologize if I have seemed hostile or defensive. I suppose I should be fawning over you and showering you with attention because that’s what you expect.”

“Why would you say that? Because of my dad?”

“What? No. Because you’re so good-looking.”

Didn’t see that one coming, Jack thought. Must be the alcohol.

“I don’t know about that.”

“Haven’t you seen all of the women ogling you around here? You probably have a lot of girls back in the States.”

Jack shook his head as he peeled back the label on his empty beer bottle. Ysabel’s face flashed in his mind. “My work doesn’t exactly allow for a social life.”

Lian stared at a happy couple at the next table over. “I understand, believe me.”